WE ADMIRE TBA, which stands for Tuko Films Production, Buchi Boy Entertainment and Artikulo Uno Films, for producing films that have socially relevant content and more significant than the usual rom-coms so prevalent in mainstream local films today. They were the producers of such acclaimed films as “Heneral Luna”, “I’m Drunk, I Love You” and “Bliss”. All got positive reviews, but only “Luna” did well at the box office due to positive word of mouth endorsement.

When we saw these films, we also the trailers of their upcoming productions and they look like they’re worth waiting for serious film aficionados. These movies include: “Smaller and Smaller Circles” - Based on an acclaimed crime novel by F.H. Batacan, this is directed by Raya Martin and stars Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero as two priests searching for a serial killer, also starring TJ Trinidad and Carla Humphries.

“Birdshot” - A mystery thriller about a young girl who accidentally shoots the critically endangered Philippine eagle, leading to an investigation that reveals a horrifying discovery. Directed by Mikhail Red and starring John Arcilla and newcomer Mary Joy Apostol.

“Iisa” - Directed by Chuck Gutierrez, this is a film about rebels who are victimized by a disastrous hurricane, starring Rio Locsin, Mitch Valdes, Angeli Bayani, Mon Confiado, Rocky Salumbides and Jess Mendoza.

“Women of the Weeping River” - Written and directed by Sheron Dayoc, it stars unknowns and tells the story of women in a distant Muslim community confronting a widening blood feud that stretches far back into past generations. It won best picture at the 2016 QCinema Filmfest.

All these serious films that say something valid about the human condition are definitely not mainstream and have very little chances at the local box office. Still, we admire admire the courage and guts of TBA in producing them. They would need a very big push for the ordinary local moviegoer who just wants mindless entertainment to be interested to watch them. Here’s wishing they would somehow be able to recoup their investment in the making of these non-commercial movies.